Signs You May Need Gutter Guards
Gutter guards aren’t always needed, but indicators of overflowing and clogged gutters are clear. Signals of chronic gutter issues include:
- Visibly saggy, damaged, or misaligned gutters that no longer correctly direct rainwater
- Soggy ground or visible erosion patterns around your home's foundation
- Leaky seams or joints where water leaks out of gutters
- Mold growth, interior wall stains, or peeling exterior paint on walls near gutters.
- Frequent clogs that cause overflow and water to spill over gutters
How To Choose a Gutter Guard Installer
Assess Their Experience
Providers with extensive gutter guard installation experience that have handled many different styles and models will know how to take accurate measurements and install guards to your home’s unique dimensions. Get in touch with these companies to learn about their experience and ask for local references.
Verify Proper Licensing and Insurance
Always confirm your gutter guard installers are properly licensed, bonded, and hold workers compensation and general liability insurance. This protects you from liability for any accidents or injuries that might happen. Ask to see current licensing and insurance papers when speaking to potential providers.
Choose Reputable Brands
Look for companies that provide tenured and trustworthy gutter guard brands like Gutter Helmet and LeafFilter. Avoid companies that only install their own off-brands or generic no-name guards, which may not have gone through the same level of rigorous testing.
Seek Custom Fit Services
Gutter guards should be measured and trimmed on-site to match your gutters. Select a company that specifically measures and trims guards for your home rather than using one-size-fits-all guards. Guards fitted for your home leave no gaps for debris accumulation.
Examine Warranties
Leading gutter guard companies often offer 20-year or lifetime warranties covering clogs, leaks, rust, and other issues. When picking a company, read through the warranty details for both materials and workmanship guarantees. Warranties provide the most effective protection for your gutter investment.
Check Reviews and Referrals
You should check online reviews on sites such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Yelp, or Google Reviews to hear more about customer experiences. You can also ask neighbors for recommendations on quality local gutter guard companies. When researching providers, we'd recommend going for companies with a history of good reviews instead of just one or two reviews.
Types of Gutter Guards
The six most common gutter guard types include the following:
- Foam guards are large pieces of foam that are placed in your gutters to stop debris. They're light and easy to install. On average, you can expect to pay $2.47 per linear foot for foam guards.
- Brush guards are made of large brush bristles that are installed in your gutters, blocking debris while allowing water to pass through. Brush guards cost around $4.06 per linear foot.
- Screen guards have large holes that let water through while keeping debris out. Screen guards cost roughly $4.68 per linear foot.
- Mesh guards stop debris but let water through. Mesh guards have even smaller holes than screen guards. They're durable and encourage debris to slide off rather than sitting on top of your gutters. On average, you can expect to spend $4.36 per linear foot for mesh guards.
- Micro-mesh guards are typically the most effective. They have smaller holes than regular mesh guards and allow even less debris through. Micro-mesh guards cost roughly $5.41 per linear foot.
- Surface tension guards, sometimes called reverse curve guards, use surface tension to encourage debris to slide off while water flows into the gutter. They can typically be seen from the ground. Surface tension guards cost around $3.43 per linear foot.
